Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has expressed hope that despite the 2-0 defeat by Croatia in the opening match yesterday, Saturday, Nigeria can still spring surprises by passing through to knock-out stage.

He however suggested that Nigeria should ‘go back to the drawing board,’ saying: “we have to play better. I think we can play better, we can do better.”

Mikel Obi, who spoke to news men shortly after the match in which Oghenekaro Etebo scored own-goal with Luka Modric scoring the second gola on penalty shot, acknowledged: “it is difficult to say I think. We have to go back to the drawing board and see what we can do better, together as a team.”

Obi who was former Chelsea midfielder said: “it’s not easy playing against these fantastic players, European players; they can hurt you in any given time. We know that, but we have to do better.”

Mikel Obi is confident that progression from Group D is still possible; citing that Argentina’s unexpected draw with Iceland has provided the Super Eagles with a lifeline.

“That’s why we came here. We have two more games to play. Argentina drew so I think this is a bit better for us.”Next game, we have to go and try to win the game. If we do that, we’re back in it again.”

Nigeria will clash with Iceland on Friday in their second round in group D.